Kevin Akaloo to celebrate 100th birthday of Sri Sathya Sai Baba with 100 bhajans in Durban

BHAJAN singer Kevin Akaloo is in South Africa to join fellow Sai devotees to commemorate the 100th birthday of Sri Sathya Sai Baba this Saturday at the outerfields of the Kings Park Stadium in Durban.

Sai aspirants will unite to further the teachings of Sai Baba through bhajans, which Akaloo and friends will render. They will sing 100 bhajans to mark the start of the centenary celebrations - ahead of Sai Baba's official birthday on November 23.

"Sai devotees can expect a medley of melodious, soulful bhajans dedicated to our divine master and a tsunami of Sai Soldiers will gather to generate divine energy and love to power the world," said Akaloo.

The Sai Soldiers, he said, referred to approximately 5 000 devotees who will attend dressed in white. He said the 100th birthday was more than a mere chronological milestone. It was a clarion call to rejuvenate and recommit to Sai Baba's ideals.

"In an era marked by rapid technological advancements and moral dilemmas, his teachings offer a compass, directing humanity towards a future anchored in love, empathy, and unity. To this end, a number of events are being planned over the coming months in the build-up to the 100th birthday in November."

He added that by advocating the principle of 'Love All, Serve All', Sai Baba had inspired a number of individuals to rise above narrow prejudices and embrace the broader race - the human family.

"Even after a century, the crest of human values stands firm in the foundation of love and service."

Akaloo, an engineer, was born and raised in Bayview, Chatsworth. He and his family relocated to Chicago in the US in 2016 as a result of a promotion in the company he worked in. The 54-year-old started singing from around age 3.

"My parents, Sathia and Anju, used to take us to service from the time we were born. I picked up singing and continued with this in later years through singing for many Indian bands such as Metro Sungeeth, Vishnu, Anbu, Padma & National Entertainers.

"I quit band singing when I entered high school as I wanted to focus on schoolwork but continued with bhajan singing. I did my first recording back in 1991. The CD was titled Garland of Bhajans and I have continued my singing and recording from thereon."

He has participated in many concerts and shows over the years and held four of his own events with funds going to charity. While he mostly sings bhajans, Akaloo enjoys singing qawwali and movie songs.

"In fact all my shows have had a mix of bhajans and Bollywood tracks."

Akaloo, who won a South African Traditional Music Award for Best Cultural Album in 2012, has recorded 13CDs. His collection of songs is called Garland of Bhajans Volume 1 to 13. When asked about his unwavering faith for Sai Baba, he said it was difficult to explain the relationship that one had with the "divine".

"So much of what I am and who I am is as a result of my faith and belief in Bhagawan. All I can say is that when I sing, I connect with a higher power that helps me generate divine energy and soulful vibrations. This allows fellow aspirants to connect even more with their divine self and the supreme master."

He added that the best way to practice the teachings of love and service was: "Do not discriminate. Love all and serve all. Actions speak louder than words. And start by first serving those around you, like honouring your mother and father, then community, and society."

Akaloo said there was a large Sai following across the US - with three centres in Chicago where devotees gathered for bhajans and special events. He is accompanied to weekly seva (selfless service) projects in the community with his wife, Deidre, and children, Max and Diara. 

Entrance to the free concert on Saturday at 3pm will be via Virgin Active across from the Moses Mabhida Stadium. Ushers will be stationed to direct traffic to the various car parks that will be available. Buses are also being arranged for those that need transport from various locations, including Chatsworth, Phoenix and Merebank. 

For more information, call Vernon Chetty at 074 368 2611 or Amar Indurjeeth at 083 459 6616. 

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